Question

What are the three distinct periods of post-World War II US Foreign policy? Briefly describe each. With emphasis on the reasons for transition.

Answer 1

1.The first and foremost thing that happened after WW2 is end of American isolationist approach towards international politics.It happened for the sake of greater stability in the world politics.Franklin Roosevelt played important role in formation of international organisations like UNO and Brettonwoods institutions. Which were much more effective than the old League of Nations, and avoid its flaws. He successfully sponsored the formation of the United Nations,to avoid any possible reasons for another world war and provide a plate form for countries in the world to come together and discuss various concerning issues from international politics to fair trade practices to institutions which will work for reconstruction and development efforts (World Bank) in different developed and developing counties.

However this Idea of United Nation and its objectives faced challenges after starting of nuclear arm race between super powers and ultimately since beginning  Cold war US foreign entered in to its next phase of foreign policy.

Cold War(1947-1991) period a long period which shaped the world politics and effected relations of world countries with US and its allies and other side with USSR and its allies.This period saw various developments from competition to detente examples are Marshall plan for Europe, formation of NATO etc.Then in detente phase cooperation on various nuclear arm treaties like SALT,START,NPT etc.

Cold war periods witnessed wars like Korean war, Vietnam War which was basically influenced by capitalism vs communism ideology.

Policies of US and weakening economy and turbulent political developments in USSR leads to the disintegration of USSR and hence US emerged as a Superpower in world politics.Thinker Fukuyama called it END OF HISTORY and ascendancy of Western liberal democracy.

From here next phase of Foreign policy started and world witnessed great amount of cooperation among big powers, world institution performed efficiently for some time after that formation of WTO is an example of it. After 9/11 attack world supported US led efforts to combat terrorism.

Now US foreign policy is entering into its different phase gradually, under Present President.It started looking more towards its domestic issues than performing functions of global police as usually done by a super power.